Thomas A. Lacksonen, Associate Professor
Department of Industrial Management
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751 USA
Russell D. Meller, Associate Professor
Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0118 USA
Abstract
A key concept of the facility layout design process is that it is an iterative process. A second key concept is that the material handling system must be designed simultaneously with the facility layout. This paper presents an IDEF0 functional model that describes these concepts in detail. The layout design process is shown in three steps. The first step is conceptual design, where the type of manufacturing system is determined and an initial material handling system concept is developed. The second step is preliminary design, where the block layout is determined, along with its main aisle structure, and a preliminary flow analysis is conducted for the facility. The third step is detailed design, where the detailed machine layout is designed and processing and material handling equipment selection decisions are made. The iterative nature of the process is explained, as the decisions of one step become the inputs and constraints of the succeeding steps.
Industrial Engineering Research Conference, Cleveland, OH, May 2000.